| Well, since you are here, let me tell you a little bit about myself. 35 years ago, I was born in Helsinki, Finland. In 1980 at the age of 10, my mother and I moved here after my parents' divorce. My mother and stepfather were married. Thanks to my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Collier, I learned the English language. I began studying martial arts in 1984. In 1986, I turned 16 and my passion with cars began, I rebuilt my first engine that year.
After some very hard years of training, I received my black belt rank in Tae-Kwon Do in 1988. I went through my school years never really liking it, or trying very hard, but I ended up doing better than average academically. In 1989, after graduating high school, I went to Macomb Community College and studied accounting, finance and general business. In 1992, two great things happened, I met my wife Diana, and an opportunity to be a chief instructor / manager of a martial arts school presented itself, and I took it. In retrospect, this was one of the best and worst decisions I had ever made. The worst aspect of this was that I discontinued my college education for this opportunity, the best aspect was that I was able to enjoy 4 years of teaching martial arts to kids and adults. This was a very rewarding experience. In 1996, I decided that Martial Arts teaching would not be a good long term career choice for me, so I left teaching. I worked for my father in law for one year as an automotive parts wholesaler. In 1997 I decided to change careers once more and became a machine builder. In 2000, my wife Diana and I were married, what a great and memorable day that was. After 5 years as a machine builder / equipment installer, I was promoted to run the testing department at the company I work for. This is where I stand today in terms of my working career, I coordinate and conduct testing projects. I was fortunate enough to be able to complete my BBA at Walsh College (night school), and graduate in 2003. I have started my master's degree studies, but I foresee that it will be quite a few years before my MBA is complete. My wonderful son Bronson was born in August of 2004, and watching him grow is the most exciting thing in our lives. I can't wait to rebuild our first engine together! Well, that's a short summary of what I'm about (up to this point), there are more great things to come. - Jan Niemi |